<p>I concur with Bullet’s and Usafa2011 replies, and have a couple of words to add.</p>
<p>The academy aero club is a very good deal, but it would be unrealistic to expect much progress toward your PPL during the 4th deg year. If you went there with your PPL, you might be able to fly enough to stay technically proficient by the FAA regs (3 flights in 90 days) - but I am guessing not much more than that. My take would be either go for finishing your license completely (flying, written test, etc.) before heading to USAFA - or postpone starting until your sopohmore (3rd degree) year. I would also agree with Bullet that you are probably looking at ~$8,000 for the venture and will have to have good access to an aircraft and good weather!</p>
<p>Being that I am Soaring Dad —if you want to get your “feet wet” in the sport, look around and see if soaring is available in your area. A couple of advantages are that you really learn good stick and rudder skills and spend much time in the “slow flight” (near stall) envelope of flying. It is also less expensive to get into than power. Soaring Son went from just having been on a few flights to solo in less than a week of flying (see [GLIDER</a> RIDES](<a href=“http://www.soarsundance.com/rides.html]GLIDER”>http://www.soarsundance.com/rides.html) for a pic of Soaring Son flying in NM). We had a blast that week…</p>
<p>However, being Soaring Dad - I will also say that soaring has its’ own set of logistical difficulties (starting with needing a method of tow/launch) so it is not the best option for everyone.</p>
<p>Anyhow, good luck and I will leave you with words similar to Bullet’s…your educational achievement and physical conditioning are much more important. But if you want to fly and can swing it//have a ball!</p>